Worried about a dog being kept outside?
Where there are concerns about a dogs living conditions, our animal rescuers aim to work with the person responsible for the dog to make improvements. As all situations are different, our responses will often vary. Usually, well offer advice and encourage the owner to bring their dog indoors. But when this isnt possible, well often advise that the dog is provided with a source of heat.
One of the most common forms of animal cruelty, cases of animals left outside in dangerous weather are investigated more by police and animal control agencies than any other form of animal abuse. Dogs and cats feel the effects of winter weather as much as people do, only they are often cast outside to weather the cold or a storm owing to a misconception that the fur on their backs will insulate them from suffering. Without proper shelter, food and water, these domesticated animals chances of survival in frigid temperatures is greatly decreased. Any pet owners who arent sure what protections their pets need during cold weather can read the HSUS cold-weather advice for keeping pets safe at Link opens in a new windowhttps://www.humanesociety.org/resources/5-ways-protect-pets-winter
Cold weather can be deadly for pets. As the temperature plummets in many parts of the country, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) sees a marked increase in the number of complaints about dogs and cats who have been left outside with no food or shelter. Their advice? Contact local law enforcement agencies because pets left outside in extreme temperatures, especially without food and shelter, are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite and even death. Their owners are at risk of facing criminal charges.
The act of leaving a pet outside without food or adequate shelter often receives less attention than a violent attack against an animal, but neglect is a crime. “Especially in these cold months, it is important for people to bring their pets inside and for others to report neglected animals to law enforcement,” says Ashley Mauceri, the HSUS manager for cruelty response, who fields these calls.
While views on animal welfare vary from region to region, there are laws in place in every state to prevent needless suffering. Callers to the HSUS report numerous cases across the country of animals left out in the cold, but the organization is also working with an increasing number of law enforcement agencies that recognize the importance of intervention in these cases.
While a few other states have implemented laws that address and prevent owners from chaining their dogs for long periods of time, Pennsylvania is the first to address those dangers under extreme weather conditions. For example, Washington DC has made illegal the act of “cruelly chaining” pet dogs – which encompasses tethering that doesn’t allow the animal to escape harm. However, Pennsylvania’s law is much more specific.
Back in 2018 during the summer heat wave, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals received roughly 600 emergency calls about dogs suffering from the heat. Due to this overwhelming volume, the RSPCA issued a warning to pet owners regarding dogs left in cars: if the owners were found to be guilty of leaving their pets inside cars, then they could hit with an unlimited fine, or worse, jail time. However, this strict warning worked and it appeared that pet owners were more responsible and alert regarding weather conditions and their pets. After seeing just how effective the warning was, the state of Pennsylvania decided to followed suit.
Pennsylvania state legislators passed a law now making it illegal to leave dogs tied up outside for more than 30 minutes in the weather is either colder than 32 degrees Fahrenheit, or warmer than 90 degrees. The law was originally inspired by the rescue of Libre, a dog who was saved from his terrible living conditions in Southern Lancaster County. At only seven weeks old, Libre had already experienced tons trauma, neglect, and abuse at the hands of his owners. When a stranger discovered him in his tragic state, they immediately called a local animal rescue who managed to save him in the nick of time, and spare him a lifetime of misery. Since being rescued, Libre has made a full recovery, and has been influential in helping to shape the state legislation in order to help protect his fellow animals across Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association also stated that Libre’s Law was an “incredible victory for animals.”
Aptly named Libre’s Law, the legislation is expected to prevent animal cruelty that exposes pets to extreme weather conditions. Anyone who is found to be in violation of the law faces a stiff penalty in the form of a hefty fine as well as prison time – anything from six months to a year.
Woman who abandoned dog outside Vancouver park cited for animal cruelty
Cold weather can be deadly for pets. As the temperature plummets in many parts of the country, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) sees a marked increase in the number of complaints about dogs and cats who have been left outside with no food or shelter. Their advice? Contact local law enforcement agencies because pets left outside in extreme temperatures, especially without food and shelter, are at risk of hypothermia, frostbite and even death. Their owners are at risk of facing criminal charges.
The act of leaving a pet outside without food or adequate shelter often receives less attention than a violent attack against an animal, but neglect is a crime. “Especially in these cold months, it is important for people to bring their pets inside and for others to report neglected animals to law enforcement,” says Ashley Mauceri, the HSUS manager for cruelty response, who fields these calls.